5alpha-methyl-steroid-3-ones



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This invention is concerned generally with novel steroid compounds and with processes for preparing the same. More particularly, it relates to Swmethyl-steroid- 3-ones and to the novel process of preparing these compounds starting with a A -steroid-3-one.

In accordance with the present invention, the A -steroid-3-one, in Which any reactive groups present at -17, or in any side chains attached at the C-l7 position of the steroid molecule, are first protected with suitable protecting groups, is first converted into the corresponding steroid-3,6-dione. It is convenient to bring about this conversion by bromination of the A -steroid-3-one, using a reagent such as N-bromosuccinimide, to form the 6- bromoderivative, and then to treat the 6-bromo-steroid- 3-one With an acidic reagent, for example, concentrated hydrochloric acid, to form the steroid-3,6-dione. If the acid treatment has resulted in the simultaneous removal of any protecting group, it is desirable to again protect such reactive group before proceeding with the next step. For example, a Afi-androstene-l75-ol-3-one acetate will be transformed into the M-androstene-l7fl-ol-3,6-dione, which is then conveniently treated with an acylating reagent in order to form the androstane-l7,8-ol-3,6-dione acylate before proceeding with the next step. The acyloxy groups that are employed in these reactions include the benzoate esters, and the lower alkanoates such as acetoxy and propionoxy.

The steroid-3,6-dione is then transformed into the 3,3- dimethoxy-steroid-6-one by heating with selenium dioxide and methanol for several hours, and the 3,3-dimethoxyster0id-6-one so obtained is heated under suitable conditions in order to form the 3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one.

The Set-methyl group is introduced into the steroid molecule by methylating the 3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one to give the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one.

A} GHQ-h onto-h,

it at t In a preferred embodiment of our invention, the methylation reaction is carried out by reaction of the B-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one first With sodium hydride, which forms the corresponding enolate, and then with methyl iodide to give the corresponding 5a-methyl'-3-methoxy- A -steroid-6-one. For example, in order to methylate the 3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one to form the Scemethyl derivative a solution of the steroid compound in a solvent, such as xylene is dried and cooled. To this solution is added a dispersion of sodium hydride in a solvent, together with a very small amount of a tertiary alcohol, such as tertiary-butanol, and the mixture is then heated in an inert atmosphere in order to convert the 6-ketosteroid into the corresponding enolate form. After cooling, dry methyl iodide is added in about a 20% excess of the theoretical amount. Excessive quantities of methyl iodide should not be used so as to avoid side reactions, such as possible methylation also at the 7-position of the steroid ring. The methylation reaction is conveniently carried out by refluxing over-night. The SwmethyIated 3,083,195 Patented Mar. 26, 1963 ice steroid is ordinarily the only monomethylated componerit present, as shown by chromatographic separation of the crude product. The reaction can, therefore, be considered stereospecific.

Analytical data of the methylated products indicate that the S-methyl derivative formed on methylation of a 3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-one is the Six-methyl derivative. Based on theoretical considerations, the steric consequences of the methylation of the steroid molecule appears to be dependent upon the geometry of the transition state involved. However, it is not desired to limit the present invention to any particular theory of action.

The process of forming the Set-methyl derivatives of the steroid-3-ones is not limited to any particular type of steroid compounds, but is an effective procedure for steroid compounds generally, and includes espectially steroids of the androstane and pregnane series, provided that any reactive groups present at 0-17, or in a side chain attached to the C17 position of the steroid molecule, are first protected by suitable protecting groups.

The 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-A -steroid-6-ones are converted into the 5a-methyl-steroid-3-ones by first eliminating the 6-ke'to group, suitably by reaction with hydrazine and potassium hydroxide, and then hydrolyzing the resulting 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-A -steroid by the use of an acidic reagent such as p-toluene sulfonic acid.

The 5a-methyl-stero'id-3-one may be reduced to the corresponding Zia-hydroxy-derivative by means of sodium borohydride in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, or to the corresponding 3B-hydroxy-derivative by catalytic reduction with a heavy metal catalyst, for example, PtO

The 5 x-m'ethyl-A -steroid-3-ones may be obtained by brominating the corresponding 5a-methyl-steroid-3-ones under suitable conditions, for example with bromine in a solution of p-toluene-sulfonic acid, acetic acid and sodium acetate, and then heating the resulting brorno-compound with lithium chloride in the presence of dimethylformamide.

Following the procedure set forth above, Set-methylandrostane-l7B-ol-3-one is prepared by the following steps: Androstane-17 8-ol-3,6-dione is reacted with an acylatirig agent, for example, benzoyl chloride to form androstane-l7fl-ol-3,6-dione benzoate, which compound is then transformed into 3,3-'dimethoxy-androstane-17 8-01-6- one-b'enzoate by heating-With selenium dioxide and methanol. The 3,B-diniethoxy-androstane-17,8-ol-6-0ne-ben- Zoate so obtained is heated under suitable conditions to form 3 methoxy 2 androstene-17fi-ol-6-one-benzoate, which is methylated by reaction with sodium hydride and then with methyl iodide under controlled conditions to give 5a-methyl3-methoxy-2-androstene-17,8-ol-6-one benzoate. The Set-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-17,8- ol-6-one benzoate is converted into Sa-methyl-androstane-l7/3-ol-3-one by first eliminating the 6-keto group, suitably'by reaction with hydrazine and potassium hydroxide, and then hydrolyzing the resulting 5a-methyl-3- methoxy-Z-androstehe by the use of an acidic reagent such as p-toluene-sulfonic acid.

The 5a-methyl-androstane-17,8-ol-3-one may be reduced to 5a-methyl-androstane-3a,17,B-diol by means of sodium borohydride in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, or to 5a-methyl-androstane-3fi,17,3-diol by catalytic reduction using a PtO catalyst.

The Su-methyl-androstane-17fl-o1-3-one may be converted into Sa-methyl-l-androstenel7;9-ol-3-one by brominating Sa-methyl-androstane-17fl-ol-3-0ne under suitable conditions, for example, a solution of the steroid in p-toluenesulfonic acid is brominated at 20 C. With a solution containing bromine, acetic acid and sodium acetate. The resulting 6-bromo-cornpound is then heated 3 with lithium chloride in the presence of dimethylformamide.

In addition to the aforementioned Sa-methyl-steroid- 3-ones this invention contemplates the preparation of certain derivatives thereof, and in particular, the novel 50:- methyl-3-oxygenated-androstane-compounds which may be chemically represented by the following structural formula:

the 1,2-position of the steroid molecule being double bonded or saturated, and wherein R is a keto or hydroxy substituent, R is hydrogen, or a keto or hydroxy substituent, R" is hydrogen or an acyl radical, X stands for hydrogen, a lower alkyl, or a vinylradical, Y ishydrogen or an a-fluOrO, or u-methyl substituent and Z is hydrogen or an oc-fiLlOI-, a-bromo-, or a-chloro-substituent.

The novel ot-rnethyl-3-oxygenated-androstane compounds are characterized as possessing diminished androgenic activity. In addition, they possess great anabolic action and are thus of value in treating cases of cachexia, post-operative convalescence and burns.

In order to obtain the 5a-methyl-androstane-S-ones which are substituted in the 2-position it is preferable to first convert the 4-androstene-3-one into the corresponding 5a-methyl-androstane-3-one, and then to introduce the desired substituent in the 2-position.

The 5a-methyl-2a-fluoro-androstane-l7fl-ol-3-one is prepared by passing perchloryl fluoride through a solution of 5a-methyl-S-methoxy-2-androstene-17,8-01 in a hydrocarbon solvent to which a small quantity of pyridine has been added.

The 2a,5a-dimethyl-androstane-17fi-ol-3-one is prepared by treating the Sa-methyI-androstane-I7B-ol-3-one sequentially with dimethyloxalate, methyl iodide and sodium methoxide.

The 50: methyl-[3,2-C1pyrazolmandrostane-l7fi-ol-3- one is prepared by converting the 5a-methylandrostane! l7B-ol-3-one first into the corresponding Z-hydroxymethylene-derivative by heating with sodium ethoxide in ethyl alcohol and ethyl formate, and then reacting the 2- hydroxymethylene derivative with anhydrous hydrazine to give the 5a-methyl-[3,2-C]pyrazolo-androstane-175-01- 3-one.

The flat-methyl derivatives of Sa-methyl-andmstane- 17;3-ol-3-one are obtained by oxidizing the 5oc-methyl-3- methoxy-Z-androstene-175-01 to the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy- 2-androstene-l'7-one, and then reacting the latter compound with methyl magnesium iodide, followed by treatment with an acidic reagent, for example, p-toluenesulfonic acid.

The 17a-vinyland the l7zx-ethyl derivatives of 5amethyl-androstane-175-ol-3 ones (i.e. the Sue-methyl-ZO- pregnene-1713-ol-3-one and the Sea-methyl-pregnane-UB- 01-3 -one) are obtained by reacting the 5a-methyl-3- methoxy-Z-androstene-l7-0ne with acetylene to form the Son methyl l7a-ethynyl-3-methoxy-2androstene-17,6-01, which is then hydrolyzed with an acidic reagent, for example, p-toluenesulfonic acid, to give the 5a-methyl-l7aethynyl-Z-androstene-l7fi-ol-3-one. The latter compound may be reduced to the Sec-methyl-l7a-vinyl-2-androstene- 17B-ol-3-one by use of the Lindlar catalyst, or to the Sea-methyl-l7a-ethyl-2-androstene-l7fi-ol-3-one by use of a .Pd/ C catalyst.

The 5ix-methyl-l7a-lower alkyl-androstane-17/3-ol-3- one is reduced to the corresponding 3a-hydroxy-derivative by means of sodium borohydride in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, or to the corresponding 3/3-hydroxyderivative by catalytic reduction using a PtO catalyst.

The 5a-methyl-l7a-lower 'alkyl-androstcne-l7/3-ol-3-one is obtained by brominating the corresponding 5oc-17oz-dimethyl-androstane-l7fi-0l-3-one under suitable conditions, for example, a solution of the steroid in p-toluenesulfonic acid is brominated at 20 C., with a solution containing bromine, acetic acid and sodium acetate. The resulting 6-bromo-derivative is then heated with lithium chloride in the presence of dimethylformamide.

The Zu-flLIOIO substituents of the 5u-methyl-l7a-lower alkyl-androstane-S-ones are obtained by passing perchloryl fluoride through a solution of the Sa-methyl-lh-lower alkyl-S-methoxy-2-androstene in a hydrocarbon solvent to which a small quantity of pyridine is added.

The Za-methyl-substituentS of the 5a-methyl-l7a-lower alkyl-androstane-3-ones are obtained by treating the 5mmethyl 17a-lower alkyl-androstene-3-one sequentially with dimethyloxate, methyl iodide and sodium methoxide.

The [3,2-C]pyrazolo-derivatives of the 5a-methyl-l7w lower alkyl-androstane-S-ones are prepared by converting the 5m-methyl-l7a-lower alkyl-androstane -3-one first into the corresponding Z-hydroxymethylene derivative by heat .ing with sodium ethoxide in ethyl alcohol and ethyl formate, and then reacting the Z-hydroxymethylene derivative with anhydrous hydrazine.

The 9a-halogen-derivatives of the 5oc-methyl-androstane-l7 8-ol-3,l1-diones are prepared from 5a-methyl- 3 methoxy 2 androstene 17B ol 11 one. The latter compound is obtained from the 4-androstene-17f3- ol-3,ll-dione-acetate by the following procedures: The 4-androstene-l7fi-ol-3,ll-dione acetate is transformed into androstane-17fi-ol-3,6,ll-trione by bromination to the 6-bromo-derivative and subsequent treatment of the 6-bromo-derivative with an acidic reagent. The androstane-l7p-ol-3,6,ll-trione is then reacted with an acylating agent. Suitably the steroid is reacted with benzoylchloride to form androstane-l7 9-ol-3,6,ll-trione-benzoate, which compound is then transformed into 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane-l7fl-ol-6,1l-dione benzoate by heating with selenium dioxide and methanol. The 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane-l7 3-ol-6,1l-dione benzoate so obtained is heated under suitable conditions to form 3- methoxy-Landrostene-l7fi-ol-dione benzoate, which is then methylated by reaction With sodium hydride and then with methyl iodide under controlled conditions to give 5oz methyl 3 methoxy 2 androstene 1'75 ol- 6,1l-dione benzoate. The latter compound is converted into 50c methyl 3 methoxy 2 androstene 17,6 ollleone by elimination of the 6-keto group, suitably by reaction with hydrazine and potassium hydroxide. The 50: methyl 3 methoxy 2 androstene 17,6 ol 11- one is then converted into the 5u-methyl-3-methoxy-2, 9(l l)-androstadiene-l7fl-ol by the following steps: reaction with acetic anhydride in pyridine to form the corresponding acetate, reduction of the latter compound with sodium borohydride to form 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2- androstene 115,17}? diol l7 acetate, dehydration of 5a methyl 3 methoxy 2 androstene 11,8,17fi-dioll7 acetate to give 5a-methyl-3-methoXy-2,9(ll)-androstadiene-l7 3-ol-acetate and hydrolysis of the acetyl group to give 505 methyl 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadiene 17B 01. The 50: methyl 3 methoxy 2,9(1l)- androstadiene-l713-ol, or a derivative thereof, is used for the preparation of the corresponding 9a-halogen-5otmethyl-androstanel7fi-ol-3 l l-dione.

The 9a-halogen-derivatives of 5a,l7zx-dimethyl-androstane-l7fi-ol-3,ll-dione are prepared by first converting the 50: methyl 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadiene- 17 3-01 into the 5a,17a-dimethyl-3-methoxy-L9(1l)-androstadiene-l'm-ol. This is accomplished by oxidizing the 50: methyl 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadienel7l8-ol with chromic oxide in pyridine to give Sat-methyl- 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadiene 17 one, which compound is then reacted with methyl magnesium iodide to give 50: 17a dimethyl 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadiene-l7 8-ol.

The 5u,17u dimethyl 3 methoxy 2,9(11) androstadiene-17fi-ol is then transferred into the Sec, 17ozdimethyl 9a halogen androstane 3,11 diones by the following procedures:

To form the 9ct-brorno-derivative, 50,l7zx-difl16fl'lYl-9 (l1)-androstene-l7fl-0l-3-one is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide to give 5a,17a-dimethyl-9a-bromo-androstane-l1,6,17/3-diol-3-one, which compound is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to give 5ot,17adimethyl-9fi-bromo-androstane- 1713-01-11 ,1 l-dione.

To form the 9a-fiuoro-derivative, the 5a,17u-dimethyiQa-brOmo-anGrostane-115,17B-diol-3-one, obtained as above from 5u,17u-dimethyl-9(11)-androstene-17fl-ol-3- one, is heated with potassium acetate to give 5a,l7a-dimethyl-androstane-l7,8 ol-3-one9;3,llit-oxide, which is then reacted with hydrogen fluoride under suitable conditions to give 5a,l7ot-dimethyl-9ot-fiuoro-androstane-1118, 17 13-dio1-3-one. The latter compound is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to form 5a,l7a-dimethyl-9afluoro-androstane-17 8-01-3 ,1 l-dione.

To produce the 9a-chloro-derivative, the 5u,17o-dimethyl androstane 17B ol 3 one 95,1113 oxide, obtained as above, is reacted with hydrogen chloride to give 50:,170: dimethyl 90c chloro androstane 11,8,- 17,8-diol-3-one, which is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to give 5a,l7dimethyl-9o:-chloro-androstane-17 5-01-3 ,1 l-dione.

The 9a-halogen derivatives of 2oc,5a,17u-trimethylandrostane-17 3-ol-3,1l-dione are prepared from the 2a, 5a,17a trimethyl 9(11) androstene 17,6 ol 3- one. The latter compound is obtained by reaction of 50,17cc dimethyl 9(11) androstene 17/3 ol 3 one sequentially with dimethyloxalate, methyl iodide and sodium methoxide.

The 2a,5a,17u trimethyl 9(11) androstene. 17eol-3-one is then transformed into the 9a-halogen-derivatives of the 2u,5a,17a-trimethyl-androstane-17B-ol-3,1l-

dione by the following procedures:

To form the 9a-bromo derivatives, 2a,5oc,17oa-t1'imeth yl-9(1l)androstene-17Bol-3-one is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide to give 2a,5a,17a-trimethyl-9'a-bromoandrostane-l15,175-diol-3-0ne, which is then oxodized with chromic oxide in pyridine to give 2a,5a,17a-trlmethyl-9oc-bromo-androstane-175-01-3,l l-dione.

To form the 9rx-fluoro-derivative, the 2oz,5a,17oc-trimethyl 9oz bromo androstane 11,8,175 diol 3- one, obtained as above from 2a,5'a,l7u-trimethyl-9(ll)- androstene-17 8-ol-3-one, is heated with potassium acetate to give 20,5a,17a-trimethyl-androstane-17 8-ol-3-one- 5,6-oxide, which is then reacted with hydrogen fluoride under suitable conditions to give 2u,5ct,17ot-trimethyl-9ufiuoro androstane 115,17/3 diol 3 one. The latter compound is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to form 2e,5a,17u trimethyl 9a fluoro androstane- 1713-01-3, l l-dione.

To produce the 9a-chloro-derivatives, the 2a,5a,17 xtrimethyl androstane 17B o1 3 one 5,6 oxide, obtained as above, is reacted with hydrogen chloride to give 2a,5cc,17a trimethyl 90c chloro androstane 115, 17fi-diol-3-one, which is oxidized with chromic acid in pyridine to give 2a,5a,17a-trimethyl-9a-chloro-androstane-17f3-ol-3,1l-dione.

The 9a-halogen derivatives of 2a-fluoro-5a,17a-dimethylandrostane-17,B-ol-3,1l-dione are prepared from the 20:. fluoro 5a,l7 x-dimethyl-9(11)-androstene-17fi-ol-3- one. The latter compound is obtained by passing perchoryl fluoride through a solution of Senna-dimethyl- 9(11)-androstene-17,8-ol-3-one in a hydrocarbon solvent to which a small amount of pyridine has been added.

The 200 fluoro-5a,l7ct-dimethyl-9(l1)-androstene-l7flol-3-one is then transformed into the 2EZ-flllOI'O-5OC,17OC- dimethyl-9a-halogen-derivatives by the following following procedures:

To form the 9a-bromo-derivatives, 2oc-flL1OIO-5cc,17oc dimethyl-9(l1)-androstene-l7fi-ol-3-one is reacted with N-bromosuccinimide to give 20L-fillOfO-5a,17u-dil1'lellhyi 9a-bromo-androstane-116,17fl-diol-3-one, which is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to give 2a-fluoro- 5oz,17a dimethyl 9a br omo androstane 17fl-ol-3,l1- dione.

To form the 9a-fluoro-derivative, 2a-fluoro-5a,17x-dimethyl-9a-bromo-androstane-1 15,17B-diol-3-one, obtained as above from ZOHflUOIO-SOL,170t-dim6thy1-9(11)'-i:l11d1'0- stene-l7B-ol-3-one, is heated with potassium acetate to give 2a fluoro-Sor,17a-dimethyl-androstane--ol-3-one- 5,6-oxide, which is then reacted with hydrogen fluoride under suitable conditions to give 2a-fiuoro-5 z,17a-dimethyl-9ot-fluoro-androstane-1 1 8, 17fi-diol-3-one. The latter compound is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to form 2u-fluoro-5rx,17a-dimethyl-9wfluoro-androstane- 175-01-3 ,1 l-dione.

To produce the 9a-chloro-derivative, the Za-fluOrO-Soc, 17a-dimethyl-androstane-17B-ol-3-one-5,6-oxide, obtained as above, is reacted with hydrogen chloride to give 2afiuoro 5 x,l7oc dimethyl 9a-chloro-androstane-115-175- diol-3-one, which is then oxidized with chromic oxide in pyridine to give 20t-flllO1'O-5OL,170t-diH16thYl-9ct-Ch1OIO-8ildrostane-l7B-ol-3,1l-dione.

The Sa-rnethyl-androstane-17/3-ol-3,1l-dione is obtained by reaction of the 5ot-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-l7fl-ol-ll-one with an acidic reagent, for example, p-toluenesulfonic acid.

A further embodiment of this invention comprises novel pharmaceutical compositions containing these 50:- methyl-3-oxygenated steroid compounds. It is ordinarily preferred to utilize compositions comprising suspensions of the 5a-methyl-3-oxygenated steroid compounds in suitable pharmaceutical vehicles containing surfactants, suspending agents and the like.

The following examples illustrate methods of carrying out the present invention but it is to be understood that these examples are given for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.

Example 1 The 3-methoxy-2-androstene-l7fi-ol-6-one benzoate is prepared by the following procedure:

The 4-androstene-17B-ol-3-one acetate (19.2 g.) is converted to the 6a-b10m0 derivative by bromination with N-bromosuccinimide in carbon tetrachloride. Illumination from a 300 watt General Electric reflector spot lamp and about 10 mg. of benzoyl peroxide are used to catalyze the reaction. The crude bromination product is refluxed with 16 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid in 400 ml. .of methanol for 3 hours and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is then treated with 20 g. of sodium acetate, and concentrated in vacuo to a small volume. The residue is diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution is washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and concentrated in vacuo. Crystallization from ether:petroieum ether mixtures gives 2.0 g. of androstane-l7fi-ol-3,6-dione,- M.P. ZZZ-227 C, Treatment of the mother liquors with 200 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 200 ml. of acetone at room temperature overnight gives an additional 5.9 g. of androstane-l7fiol 3,6-dione, M.P. 226233 C.

An ice cold solution consisting of 6.0 g. of androstane- 17fi-ol-3,6-dione in 40 ml. of anhydrous pyridine is treated with 2.54 ml. of benzoyl chloride and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight, The reaction mixture is then diluted with a 2:3 chloroforrnzether mixture and washed sequentially with ice cold 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution, cold dilute acetic acid, water and cold 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer is dried and concentrated in vacuo. Crystalmethyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-17B-ol-one lization from ethyl acetate affords 6.2 g. (78%) of androstane-l7fi-ol-3,6-dione benzoate, M.P. 230234 C. The sample for analysis, recrystallized from ethyl acetate, has the following properties: M.P. 232-235 C.; 41 +30 (c. 0.9 CHCl AnaIysz's.-Calculated for C H O C, 76.44; H, 7.90. Found: C, 76.37; H, 7.79.

A suspension consisting of 7.0 g. of androstane-17/3-ol- 3,6-dione benzoate and 20 g. of selenium dioxide in 500 ml. of methanol is heated at 5055 C. for two hours, during which time the steroid goes into solution. The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature for one hour and cooled in ice. An ice cold solution of 20 g. of potassium hydroxide in 100 m1. of Water is added and the resulting solution poured into 3 liters of water. The product is filtered and chromatographed on 140 g. of basic alumina. The chromatogram is eluted with mixtures of ether and petroleum ether. The combined eluates yield .a product which on crystallization from methanol give 6.7 g. (87%) of 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane-17 3-ol-6-one benzoate, M.P. 158-161 C. The sample for analysis is recrystallized from methanol M.P. 158161 C. and has the following properties: 1 +19 (0. 0.8 CHCl Analysis.Calculated for C H O C, 73.98; H, 8.43. Found: C, 74.41; H, 8.53.

A 15 cc. centrifuge tube containing 270 mg. of 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane-1713-ol-6-one benzoate and 0.20 g. of powdered soft glass is capped with a glass wool plug and heated in a Woods metal bath at 215:3 C. for 35 minutes. The cooled melt is dissolved in chloroform, filtered and concentrated. Chromatography on 15 g. of

basic alumina and elution with mixtures of ether and petroleum ether gives 147 mg. (58%) of 3-methoxy-2- androstene-17fl-ol-6-one benzoate, M.P. 216228 C. The sample for analysis, crystallized from ethyl acetate, has the following properties: M.P. 228-235 C.; 51 +46 (c. 0.9 CHCl Analysis.Calculated for C H 4O C, 76.74; H, 8.11. Found, C, 77.02; H, 7.80.

Example 2 The 3-methoxy-2-androstane-l7 8-ol-6-one benzoate (Example 1) is methylated to the Six-methyl derivative by the following procedure:

A solution of 3.33 g. of 3-methoxy-2-androstene-17,8- ol-6-one 'benzoate in 70 ml. of xylene is dried by azeotropic distillation. The solution is cooled and 450 mg. of a dispersion of 53% sodium hydride in mineral oil, and one drop of t-butanol, is added to the solution. The reaction mixture is then refiuxed under nitrogen for 50 minutes. The yellow suspension is cooled. Twenty ml. of methyl iodide, dried by passing through a tube filled with calcium chloride, is added and the suspension is refluxed overnight. The cooled solution is poured into water, separated, and the aqueous layer extracted with benzene. The combined benzene extracts are washed with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo. raphy on 320 g. of basic alumina, and elution with a 4:6 mixture of ether and petroleum ether affords fraction I, from which is recovered 90 mg, of 5a-methyl3,17;3- dimethoxy-Z-androstene-6-one, M.P. 155165 C. Crystallization from ether gives an analytical sample, M.P. 164-470 C., a 12 (c. 0.5 OHCl Analysis.- Calculated for C gH O C, 76.26; H, 9.89. Found: C. 76.64; H, 9.84. Elution with a 5:5 mixture of ether and petroleum ether afiords fraction II, consisting of 1325 mg. of material containing 5m-methyl-3-methoxy-2- androstene-17fi-ol-6-one benzoate. Further elution with ether affords fraction III, from which is recovered about 1.0 g. of starting material. Crystallization of fractionH from ether gives 0.32 g. of 50t-HlfithY1-3-H1BllhOXY-2-3H- drostene-l7;3-ol-6-one benzoate, M.P. 159-167 C. Two rechromatograms of the mother liquors, elution with 8:12 and 9:11 mixtures of ether and petroleum ether, and crystallization from ethyl acetate yields 0.52 g. of 5abenzoate, a total of 0.84 g. The yield is about 35% taking into con- Chroma-tog- Example 3 A solution consisting of 0.435 g. of 5ot-rnethyl-3-methoxy-Z-androstene-l7fi-ol-6-one benzoate, 5 ml. of hydrazine hydrate and 3.5 g. of potassium hydroxide in 50 ml. of diethylene glycol is heated under nitrogen at 152168 C. for 1.75 hours. The temperature is raised by removing an aqueous fraction by distillation, and is then maintained at 225 C. for four hours. The solution is cooled and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The solution is then extracted with ether, and the ether layer washed with Water, dried and concentrated.

The crude 5ct-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-17 8-01 so obtained is percolated through 15 g. of basic alumina, eluted with a 2:8 mixture of chloroform and ether, and then hydrolyzed with 45 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 30 ml. of acetone at room temperature overnight. The acetone solution is poured into aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted With chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated. Two crystallizations from methanol alfords 88 mg. of a Sa-methyI-androstane-17 8-ol-3-one, M.P. 196-201 C.; (a) +40 (c. 0.7 CHC1 nuclear molecular rotation indicates three quaternary carbon-methyl groups. Calculated for C H O C, 78.89; H, 10.59. Found: C, 78.73;.H, 10.79. A sample, M.P. 201202 C., is obtained by methanol recrystallization; (a) +43"; ((1) +141; )350 (@325 )315 )300 +369; (r0 351 (0. 0.18 dioxane). Chromatography of the mother liquors on 20 g. of acid washed alumina, and elution with a 8:2 mixture of ether and petroleum ether affords 50 mg. of a product, M.P. 203- 204 C., on crystallization from methanol. It is .presumably 5a-methyl-androstane-175-01. Further elution with mixtures of ether and petroleum ether yields an additional mg. of 5a-methyl-androstane-17,8-01-3-one, which on crystallization from methanol has a melting point of 196-200 C., giving a total of 183 mg. (approximately 21 60% yield).

Example 4 The Sa-methyI-androStane-Sm,17,8-diol is prepared by hydrogenating a mixture of 200 mg. of Sa-methyl-andmstane-17fl-ol-3-one (Example 3) and mg. of platinum oxide in 10 m1. of acetic acid at atmospheric pressure. The solution is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography on alumina gives the 5ot-l7a-dimethylandrostane-3 a, 17,8-diol.

The 5a-methyl-androstane-3fl,17B-diol isprepared from the 5a-methyl-androstane-17fi-ol-3-one (Example 3) by reduction With sodium borohydride. A mixture of 200 mg. of 5a-methyl-androstane-l7fl-ol-3-one, 200 mg. of sodium borohydride, 8 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 2 ml. of water is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The react-ion mixture is then poured into aqueous sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated. Chromatography aifords the 5a-methyl-3fi- 17/3-diol.

Example 5 A solution of 300 mg. of 5a-methylandrostane-175-01- 3-one and 250 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 10 ml. of acetic acid is brominated at 20 C. with a solution containing 153 mg. of bromine and 88 mg. of sodium acetate in 4 ml. of acetic acid. At the end of the reaction 2.9 g. of sodium acetate in 6 ml. of water is added. The reaction mixture is diluted with ice water and filtered.

9 The crude bromide is dried and heated at 100 C. with 400 mg. of lithium chloride and 10 ml. of dimethylformamide for 2.5 hours. The cooled reaction mixture is poured into water, extracted with chloroform and the organic phase washed with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography on acid washed alumina of the crude product gives Set-methyl-l-androstene-l7-5-ol- 3-one.

Example 6 The 5a-methyl-Zot-fiuoro-androstane 175 ol-3-one is prepared by bubbling perchloryl fluoride through a solution of 200 mg. of 5a-methy1-3-methoxy-2-androstene- 175-ol-3-one in 10 ml. of benzene and 1 ml. of pyridine maintained at C. The solution is'allowed to stand for one hour, washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The residual material is separated by chromatography on alumina to give the Sa-methyI-Zufluoro-androstane-l75-o1-3-one.

Example 7 To 8.0 g. of Sa-methyl-androstane-175-01-3-one suspended in 100 ml. of t-butyl alcohol is added 3.2 g. of commercial (95%) sodium methylate. To this mixture under nitrogen is added ml. of diethyl oxalate, and the mixture is then stirred under nitrogen for 6 hours. Addition of ether followed by filtration gives the sodium enolate a powder which is soluble in water but insoluble in dilute acid.

A mixture of the crude sodium enolate, 13 g. of anhydrous K CO '300 ml. of acetone and '50 ml. of methyl iodide is refluxed for 20 hours, filtered while hot and the filtrate concentrated to a small volume. A large amount of water is added to the concentrate, which is then extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried and treated with activated carbon. After evaporation, a pale yellow glass is obtained.

To this glassy material, dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute alcohol, is added 1.0 g. of 9-5 Na0CI-l The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature'for 4 hours. After the addition of a few drops of acetic acid and 20 ml. of water, the methanol is removed under reduced pressure at a temperature not exceeding 35 C. The ethyl acetate extract of the mixture is washed to neutrality with a saline solution, dried and decolorized with activated carbon. Evaporation leaves the crude 2a,5a-dimethylandrostane-l75-ol-3-one.

Example 8 A solution of 200 mg. of 5a-methyl-androstane-l75- ol-3-one in ml. of 1 N ethanolic sodium ethoxide and 2 ml. of ethyl formate is heated at reflux for 2 hours. The solution is cooled and acidified with dilute sulfuric acid. The solution is concentrated in vacuo to a small volume, diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution is washed with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography on acid washed alumina gives the Z-hydroxymethylene-Sa-methyl-androstane-175-ol-3-one.

A solution of 200 mg. of Z-hydroxymethylene-Sa-methyl-androstane-175-ol-3-one in 5 ml. of ethanol is refluxed with 1 ml. of anhydrous hydrazine for 2 hours. The reaction mixture is diluted with water and filtered. Chromatography on alumina gives the Sa-methyl-androstane- [3,2-C]-pyrazole175-ol.

Example 9 The 5a-17a-dimethy1-androstane-175-ol-3-one is prepared by the following procedure:

The 5a-methyl-S-methoxyQ-androstene-175-01 (Example 3) is oxidized with chromium trioxide in pyridine to give the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-17-one. For this purpose a solution of 400 mg. of 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-175-ol in 4 m1. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with water. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual material is purified by crystallization from ethyl acetate-ether to give 5a-methyl-3-methoxy 2-androstene-17-one.

A methyl Grignard reagent is prepared by adding, with stirring, a solution containing 3 cc. of methyl iodide in 10 cc. of ether to 300 mg. of magnesium covered with 10 cc. of ether. After the magnesium has been consumed, an additional 20 cc. of ether is added. To this solution is added 2.0 g. of the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2- androstene-l7-one in ether. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight, decomposed with water and the ether layer separated. The ether layer is dried and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography of the residual material on basic alumina, and elution with mixtures of petroleum ether gives the 5a,17adimethyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-175-01.

Treatment of 5a,l7a-dimethyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene- 175-01 with p-toluenesulfonic acid in acetone at room temperature overnight produces the 5a,l7a-dimethyl-androstane-l-ol-3-one.

The 5 a-17a-dimethyl-androstane-3u-175-diol is prepared by hydrogenating a mixture of 200 mg. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane175-ol-3-one (Example 3) and mg. of platinum oxide in 10 ml. of acetic acid at atmospheric pressure. The solution is filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography on alumina gives the 511,170:- dimethyl-androstane-3 oz, 17 5-diol.

The 5a,17u-dimethyl-androstane-35-175-diol is pre pared from the 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane-175-ol-3-one (Example 3) by reduction with sodium borohydride. A mixture of 200 mg. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane-175- ol-3-one, 200 mg. of sodium borohydride, 8 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 2 ml. of water is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into aqueous sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with Water, dried and concentrated. Chromatography afiords the 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane-35,175-diol.

A solution of 300 mg. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane- -ol-3-one and 250 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 10 ml. of acetic acid is brominated at 20 C. with a solution containing 153 mg. of bromine and 88 mg. of sodium acetate in 4 ml. of acetic acid. At the end of the reaction 2.9 g. of sodium acetate in 6 ml. of water is added. The reaction mixture is diluted with ice water and filtered. The crude bromide is dried and heated at 100 C. with 400 mg. of lithium chloride and 10 ml. of dimethylformamide for 2.5 hours. The cooled reaction mixture is poured into water, extracted with chloroform and the organic phase washed with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography on acid washed alumina of the crude product gives 5a,17u-dimethyl-1- androstene-l75-0l-3-one.

The 51x,17a-dimethyl-2a-fluoro-androstane,175ol-3 -one is prepared by bubbling perchloryl fluoride through a solution of 200 mg. of 5a,17ot-dimethyl-3-methoxy-2- androstene-175-ol in 10 ml. of benzene and 1 ml. of pyridine, maintained at 0 C. The solution is allowed to stand for 1 hour, Washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography of the residual material gives the 2ot-fluoro-5 x,17otdimethyl-androstane-l75-ol-3-one.

To 8.0 g. of 5a,17ot-dimethyl-androstane-175-ol-3-one suspended in 100 ml. of t-butyl alcohol is added 3.2 g. of commercial (95 sodium methylate. To this mixture under nitrogen is added 5 ml. of diethyl oxalate, and the mixture is then stirred under nitrogen for 6 hours. Addition of ether followed by filtration gives the 11 sodium enolate, a powder which is soluble in Water but insoluble in dilute acid.

A mixture of the crude sodium enolate, 13 g. of anhydrous potassium acetate, 300 ml. of acetone and 50 ml. of methyl iodide is refluxed for 20 hours, filtered While hot and the filtrate concentrated to a small volume. A large amount of water is added to the concentrate, which is then extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried and treated with activated carbon. After evaporation a pale glass is obtained.

To this glassy material, dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute alcohol, is added 1.0 g. of 95% sodium methylate. The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 hours. After the addition of a few drops of acetic acid and 20 ml. of water, the methanol is removed under reduced pressure at a temperature not exceeding 35 C. The ethyl acetate extract of the mixture is washed to neutrality with a saline solution, dried and decolorized with activated carbon. Evaporation leaves the crude 2oz,5a,l7a-trimethyl-androstane-l7fl-ol-one.

A solution of 200 mg. of a,17rx-dimethyl-androstane- 17fl-ol-3-one in ml. of 1 N-ethanolic sodium ethoxide and 2 ml. of ethyl formate is heated at reflux for 2 hours. The solution is cooled and acidified with dilute sulfuric acid. The solution is concentrated in vacuo to a small volume, diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution is washed with water,

Example 10.

A slow stream of acetylene is passed into a stirred solution of potassium t-amylate prepared from 5 grams of potassium in 100 cc. of t-amyl alcohol and 100 ml. of ether, maintained at 0 C. After saturation of the solution with acetylene, 5.0 grams of 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-l7-one (Example 9) is added. Acetylene addition is continued for 3 hours at 0 C. and then at room temperature for 18 hours. A 100 ml. of 10% ammonium chloride solution is added and the t-amyl alcohol removed in vacuo. Dilution with water, extraction with chloroform, drying and concentrating, followed by chromatography gives the Soc-methyl-17oz-ethynyl-3-me thoxy-Z-androstene-17,8-ol. Treatment of the Set-methyl- 17a-ethyny1-3-methoxy-Z-androstene-17,8-ol with 45 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in ml. of acetone at room temperature overnight gives the Sa-methyLUa-ethynylandrostane-l75-ol-3-one.

The product is recovered by pouring it into aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracting with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated. The residual material is crystallized to give the Six-methyl-l7a-ethynylandrostane-175-01-3- one.

A mixture of 0.20 gram of Sa-methyl-Ua-ethynyl-androstane-l7fi-ol-3-one and 50 mg. of Lindlar catalyst in 15 ml. of ethyl acetate is hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure. The solution is filtered and concentrated after absorption of one mole of hydrogen. Chromatography of the concentrate gives the Sa-methyl-l7a-vinyl-androstane-l 7,8-ol-3 -one (5 a-methyl-20-pregnene-l 7}8-ol-3-one) A mixture of 020 gram of 5a-methyl-l7a-ethynylandrostane-17fl-ol-3-one and 50 mg. of 5% Pd/C in 15 ml. of ethyl acetate is hydrogenated at. atmospheric pressure. The solution is filtered and concentrated after an uptake of two moles of hydrogen. Chromatography 12 gives the Six-methyl-17oz-ethyl-androstane-17,8-ol-3-one (Swmethyl-pregnane-17,8-01-3 -one) Example 11 The 3-methoxy-2-androstene-17 8-ol-6,ll-dione benzoate is prepared by the following procedure: 4-androstene-17B-ol-3,l1-dione acetate is brominated with N- bromosuccinimide in carbon tetrachloride. Illumination from a 300 watt General Electric reflector spot lamp and about 10mg. of 'benzoyl peroxide are used to catalyze the reaction. The crude bromination product is refluxed with 16 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid in 400 ml. of methanol for 3 hours and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is then treated with 2.0 g. of sodium acetate and concentrated in vacuo to a small volume. The residue is diluted with water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform solution is washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and concentrated in vacuo. Crystallization from ether-petroleum ether mixtures gives androstane-17B-ol-3,6,1l-trione. Treatment of the mother liquors with 200 mgof p-toluenesulfonic acid in 200 ml. of acetone at room temperature overnight gives an additional androstane-l7fi-ol-3,6, l l-trione.

An ice cold solution consisting of 6.0 g. of androstanel7p-ol-3,6,ll-trione in 40 ml. of anhydrous pyridine is treated with 2.54 ml. of benzoyl chloride and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is then diluted with a 2:3 mixture of chloroform and ether and Washed sequentially with ice cold 10% aqueous sodium carbonate solution, cold dilute acetic acid, Water and cold 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. The organic layer is dried and concentrated in vacuo. Crystallization from ethyl acetate affords androstane-Ufiol3,6,11-trione benzoate. A suspension consisting of 7.0 g. of androstane-l7fi-ol-3,6,1l-trione benzoate and 20 g. of selenium dioxide in 500 ml. of methanol is heated at 50-55 C. for two hours. The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature for one hour and cooled in ice. An ice cold solution of 20 g. of potassium hydroxide in ml. of Water is added and the resulting solution poured into 3 liters of water. The product is filtered and chromatographed on g. of basic alumina. The chromatogram is eluted with mixtures of ether to which benzene has been added, and petroleum ether. The combined eluates yield a product which on crystallization from methanol gives 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane-1718-01-6,ll-dione benzoate.

A 15 cc. centrifuge tube containing 270 mg. of 3,3-dimethoxy-androstane--01-6,1l-dione benzoate and 0.20 g. of powdered soft glass is capped with a glass wool plug and heated in a Woods metal bath at 215 :3 C. for 35 minutes. The cooled melt is dissolved in chloroform, filtered and concentrated. Chromatography on 15 g. of basic alumina, and elution with mixtures of ether and petroleum ether gives 3-methoxy-2-androstene-l76-01-6, ll-dione benzoate.

Example 12 A solution of 3.33 g. of 3-methoXy-2-androstene-175-01- 6,1l-dione benzoate in 70 ml. of xylene is dried by azeotropic distillation. The solution is cooled and 450 mg. of a dispersion of 53% sodium hydride in mineral oil, and one drop of t-butanol is added to the solution. The reaction mixture is then refluxed under nitrogen for 50 minutes. The yellow' suspension is cooled. Twenty ml. of methyl iodide, dried by passing through a tube filled with calcium chloride, is added and the suspensionis refluxed overnight. The cooled solution is poured into water, separated, and the aqueous layer extracted with benzene. The combined benzene extracts are Washed with water, dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residual material so obtained is separated by chromatography, on

alumina to benzoate.

1 3 Example 13' A solution consisting of 0.435 g. of 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-Z-androstene-l7,B-ol-'6,1l-dione benzoate, 5 ml. of 85% hydrazine hydrate and 3.5 g. of potassium hydroxide in 50 ml. of diethylene glycol is heated under nitrogen at 152-168 C. for 1.75 hours. The temperature is raised by removing an aqueous fraction by distillation, and is then maintained at 225 C. for four hours. The solution is cooled and allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The solution is then extracted with ether, and the ether layer washed with water, dried and concentrated.

The crude 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-1713-01- ll-one so obtained is percolated through 15 g. of basic alumina, eluted with a mixture of chloroform and ether, and then hydrolyzed with 45 mg. of p-toluenesulfonic acid in 30 ml. of acetone at room temperature overnight. The acetone solution is poured into aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and conc'entrated. The concentrate is crystallized to give 50:- methyl-androstane-1713-01-3 ,1 l-dione.

Example 14 The 5 u-methyl-3-methoxy-2,9 1 1)androstadiene-l7B-ol is prepared from 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-and-rostene-17(3- ol-ll-one, using the following procedure:

To a solution of 100 mg. of the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2- androstene-17fl-ol-ll-one in 2 ml. of pyridine is added 0.5 ml. of acetic anhydride. The mixture is allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. A mixture of ice and water is then added. After standing for about 30 minutes, the product is extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extract is Washed with water. The ethyl acetate solution is dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent is then distilled at about 40 C. in vacuo. The product is then crystallized from a solvent. Alternately the product may be chromatographed on basic alumina and the 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-l7fi-ol-ll-one acetate is isolated by crystallization of the appropriate eluate.

A mixture of 200 mg. of 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-l'lB-ol-ll-one acetate, 200 mg. of sodium borohydride, 8 ml. of tetrahydrofuran and 2 ml. of water is stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture is then poured into aqueous sodium dihydrogen phosphate and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer is washed with water, dried and concentrated. Chromatography of the concentrate gives 5ot-methyl-3- methoxy-Z-androstene-l1,1713-diol-17-acetate.

To bring about the dehydration, a solution of 400 mg. of 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2-androstene-l1,17B-diol-17-acetate in 2.0 ml. dimethylformamide, 0.8 ml. of pyridine and 0.4 ml. of methanesulfonyl chloride is kept at 75 C. for one hour. The mixture is cooled and water is added. The precipitate formed is filtered, washed with water and dried in air. The desired 5a-methyl-3-methoxy-2,9(l1) androstadiene-17fi-ol acetate is purified by chromatography on 20 g. of alumina and elution with benzene. Crystallization of the material eluted by benzene gives pure 50cmethyl3-methoxy-2,9 1 1 androstadiene-17 13-01 acetate.

A solution of 0.30 g. of Swmethyl-3-methoxy-2,9(l1) androstadiene-UB-ol acetate in cc. of methanol is refiuxed with l g. of potassium hydroxide in 2 ml. of water for one hour under nitrogen. The cooled solution is diluted with water, extracted with chloroform and the extract is dried and concentrated. Chromatography on basic alumina yields 5amethyl-3-methoxy-2,9(ll)a ndrost-adiene-17B-ol.

Example The 5e.l7u-dimethyl-9(l1)androstene-l7B-ol-3-one is prepared from 5u-methyl-3-methoxy 2,9'(l1)androstadiene-l7B-ol (Example 14) using the following procedure:

A solution of 400 mg. of 5ot-methyl-3-methoxy-2,9(1l)- androstadiene-l7B-ol in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 5amethyl-3-methoxy-2,9( 11) androstadiene-l7-one.

A methyl Grignard reagent is prepared by adding, with stirring, a solution containing 3 cc. of methyl iodide in 10 cc. of ether to 300 mg. of magnesium covered with 10 cc. of ether. After the magnesium has been consumed, an additional 20 cc. of ether is added. To this solution is added 2.0 g. of the 5rxmethyl-3-methoxy-2,9 l1)androstadiene-l7-one in ether. The reaction mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature overnight, decomposed with water and the ether layer separated. The. ether layer is dried and concentrated in vacuo. Chromatography of the residual material on basic alumina, and elution with mixtures of petroleum ether gives the 5a,17ocdimethyl-3 -methoxy-2,9 1 1 androstadiene-17fi-ol.

Treatment of 51x,17u-dimethyl-3-methoxy-2,9(l1)androstadiene-l7B-ol with p-toluenesulfonic acid in acetone at room temperature overnight produces the 5a,l7a-dimethyl-9 l l androstene-l7fi-ol-3-one.

Example 16 The 5 a, l7a-dirnethyl-9 1 l androstene-17a-ol-3-one is converted into the 9u-bromo-, 9a-fiuoro-, and 9a-chloro derivatives, respectively, by the procedures outlined below:

To a mixture of 620 mg. of 50:,17oc-(iitllfitilYl-9fl l)androstene'l7[3-ol-3-one and 330 mg. of N-bromo-succinimide in 10 ml. of dioxane and 3.2 ml. of water cooled to 10 C. is added 1.8 ml. of cold 1 M aqueous perchloric acid. The mixture is stirred at 15 C. for 3 hours. Excess N-bromosuccinimide is destroyed by addition of aqueous sodium thiosulfate and most of the dioxane is removed in vacuo. About 30 ml. of water is added and the crystalline bromohydrin, 5a,17a-dimethyl-9a-bromoandrostane-ll[3,17fi-diol-3-one is filtered, washed with water, and dried in air.

A solution of 400 mg. of 50c,l'lot-diITlEthYl-9ot-bl01110- androstane-l15,176-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 5a,l7a-dimethyl-9a-bromo-androstane- 1713-01-33 l-dione.

A solution of 210 mg. of 5a,l7a-dimethyl-9a-bromoandrostane-l l/3,17;8-diol-3-one and 240 mg. of potassium acetate in ml. of absolute ethanol is heated under reflux for two hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature, and evaporated in vacuo to a small volume. The concentrated aqueous mixture is extracted with three portions of ethyl acetate, and the combined ethyl acetate extracts are washed with water, dried, and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residual material is crystallized to give 5oz,170c-diI1'16thY1-2111d105t3I16-17fi-0l-3- one-9,8,1 l ,B-oxide.

To a solution of 200 mg. of 5a,l7u-dimethyl-androstane-l7fl-ol-3-one-9 8,llfi-oxide in 2 ml. of chloroform and 2 ml. of tetrahydrofuran in a polyethylene bottle at -60 C. is added 2 ml. of a 2:1 (by weight) mixture of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and tetrahydrofuran. After 4 hours at -30 C. the mixture is cooled to -60 C. and cautiously added to a stirred mixture of 30 ml. of 25% aqueous potassium carbonate and 25 ml. of chloroform kept at -5 C. The aqueous phase is further extracted with chloroform and the latter phase is washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue on crystallization gives 505,170t-Cllm6thyl-90t-flllOl'O-fllldl'OStfillC- 1 118,17fl-diol-3-one.

A solution of 400 mg. of 5a,l7a-dimethyl-9a-fluoroandrostane-llfi,l7fl-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystalization to give oz,l7a-dimethyl-9wfiuoro-androstane-l 7,8-01-3, l l-dione.

To a solution of 100 mg. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-androstane-17B-ol-3-one-9fl,l1,8-oxide in 4 ml. of chloroform is added 5 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The two-phase mixture is stirred at 25 C. for one hour. Addition of water and chloroform extraction gives a crude product which is hydrolyzed by treatment with potassium bicarbonate in aqueous methanol to give 5a,l7ot-dimethyl- 9a-chloro-androstane- 1 1,8, 17fi-diol-3-one.

A solution of 400 mg. of 5oz,l7oz-tlirr16thYl-9oc-Chl010- androstane-l15,175-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. .The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 5a,17a-dimethyl-9a-chloro-androstane-rl 75-01-11 I-dione.

Example 17 ol-3-one by the following procedure:

To 8.0 g. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-9( 11,) androstene-l7B-ol- 3-one suspended in 100 ml. of t-butyl alcohol is added 3.2 g. of commercial (95%) sodium methylate. To this mixture under nitrogen is added 5 ml. of dimethyl oxalate, and the mixture is then stirred under nitrogen for 6 hours. Addition of ether followed by filtration gives the sodium enolate, which is a powder, soluble in water but insoluble in dilute acid.

A mixture of the crude sodium enolate, 13 g. of anhydrous of K CO 300 ml. of acetone and 50 ml. of methyl iodide is refluxed for 20 hours, filtered while hot, and the filtrate concentrated to a small volume. A large amount of water is added to the concentrate which is then extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with saturated sodium chloride solution, dried and treated with activated carbon. After evaporation a pale yellow glass is obtained.

To this glassy material, dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute alcohol, is added 1.0 g. of 95% NaOCl-I The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 hours. After the addition of a few drops of acetic acid and 20 ml. of water, the methanol is removed under reduced Example 18 The 2a,5a,l7a-trimethyl-9(l1)androstene-l'l'a-ol-Za-one is converted into the 9m-bromo-, 9a-fluoro-, and 9a-chloroderivatives, respectively, by the procedures outlined below:

To a mixture of 620 mg. of 2oz,5a,17oz-t1imthyl-9(11)- androstene l7t3'ol-3-one and 330 mg. of N-bromo-succinimide in 10 ml. of dioxane and 3.2 ml. of water cooled to 10 C. is added 1.8 ml. of cold 1 M aqueous perchloric acid. The mixture is stirred at 15 C. for 3 hours. Excess N-bromosuccinirnide is destroyed by addition of aqueous sodium thiosnlfate and most of the dioxane is removed in vacuo. About 30 ml. of water is added and the crystalline brornohydrin, 2a,5a,l7ot-trimethyl-9aromo-androstane-l113,17fi-diol-3-one is filtered, washed with water, and dried in air. I

A solution of 400 mg. of 2a,5a,17a-trimethyl-9ot-brom0- androstane-ILB,17B-diol-3-one in 4 m1. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalling material is purified by crystallization to give 2a,5a,l7a-trimethyl-9a-bromo-androstane-17/3-ol-3, 1 l-dione.

A solution of 2.10 mg. of 2oz,5 x,l7et-trimethyl-9ubromo-androstane-l16,1713-diol-3-one and 240 mg. of potassium acetate in 10 ml. of absolute ethanol is heated under reflux for two hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature, and evaporated in vacuo to a small volume. The concentrated aqueous mixture is extracted with three portions of ethyl acetate, and the combined ethyl acetate extracts are washed with water, dried, and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residual material is crystallized to give 2a,5a,l7atrimethyl-androstanel 7;8-ol-3-one-9fl, l lfi-oxide.

To a solution of 200 mg. of 2a,5a,17x-trirnethyl-androstane-l7B-ol-3'one-9B,FIB-oxide in 2 ml. of chloroform and 2 ml. of tetrahydrofuran in a polyethylene bottle at 60 C. is added 2 ml. of a 2:1 (by weight) mixture of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and tetrahydrofuran. After 4 hours at 30 C. the mixture is cooled to 60 C. and cautiously added to a stirred mixture of 30 ml. of 25% aqueous potassium carbonate and 25 ml. of chloroform kept at '5 C. The vaqueous phase is further extracted with chloroform and the latter phase is washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue on crystallization gives 2a,5a,17a-trimethyl-9afluoro-androstane-l 15,17p-diol-3-one.

A solution of 400 mg. of 2a,5a,l7a-trimethyl-9u-fluoroandrostane-l1B,17B-diol-3one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed bythe addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 2a,5u,17a-trimethyl-9a-fluoroa androstane-17/3-ol-3,1l-dione.

To a solution of 100 mg. of 20,5a,l7o -trimethyl-androstane-17fi-ol-3-one-9B,llit-oxide in 4 ml. of chloroform is added 5 m1. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The two-phase mixture is stirred at 25 C. for 1 hour. Addition of water and chloroform extraction gives a crude product which is hydrolyzed by treatment with potassium bicarbonate in aqueous methanol to give 2e,5a,l7a-trimethyl-9a-chloro-androstane-1lfl,l7{3-diol-3- o ne.

A solution of 206,505,17OL-iTlII1thyl-9OL-ChlOI'OfiIldIOStZ1H6- 115,1718-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 21,5u,17a-trimethyl-9a-chloroandrostane-175-01- 3,1l-dione.

Example 19 To 8.0 g. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-9(l1)androstene-17fi-ol- 3-one suspended in 100 ml. of t-butyl alcohol is added 3.2 g. of commercial 95% sodium methylate. To this mixture under nitrogen is added 5 ml. of dimethyl oxalate, and the mixture is then stirred under nitrogen for 6 hours. Addition of ether followed by filtration gives the glyoxate sodium enolate. Perchloryl fluoride is bubbled through a solution of 200 mg. of the sodium enolate in cc. of methanol at 0 C. The solution is allowed to stand for one hour, washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and concentrated in vacuo. The residual material, dissolved in 250 ml. of absolute alcohol, is added to 1.0 g. of 95% sodium methylate. The mixture is then allowed to stand at room temperature for 4 hours. After the addition of a few drops of acetic acid and ml. of water, the methanol is removed under reduced pressure at a temperature not exceeding C. The ethyl acetate extract of the mixture is washed to neutrality with a saline solution, dried and decolorized with activated carbon. Evaporation gives 2a-fluoro-5o;, 17a-dimethyl-9 l 1 androstene-17 [3-o1 3-one.

Example 20 The 5 a, l7a-dirnethyl-2a-fluoro-9 1 1 androstene-17a-ol- 3-one is converted into the 9a-bromo-, 9ot-iluoro-, and 90achloro-derivatives, respectively, by the procedures outlined below;

To a mixture of 620 mg. of 5a,l7a-dimethyl-2a-fluoro- 9(1l)androstene-17/8-ol-3-one and 330 mg. of N-bromosuccinimide in 10 ml. of dioxane and 3.2 ml. of water cooled to 10 C. is added 1.8 ml. of cold 1 M aqueous perchloric acid. The mixture is stirred at 15 C. for 3 hours. Excess N-bromosuccinimide is destroyed by addition of aqueous sodium thiosulfate and most of the dioxane is removed in vacuo. About 30 ml. of water is added and the crystalline bromohydrin, 5a,17u-dimethyl- 2m-fiuoro-9et-bromo-androstane-11,13,17fi-di0l-3-one is filtered, washed with water, and dried in air.

A solution of 400 mg. of 50L,l7ct-dittl6'tl1Yl-2ot-fitl0lO-9ocbromo-androstane-l15,17/3-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 50L,17OC-dlm6tl1y1-206-flL1OIO-906- bromo-androstanee-l7B-ol-3, 1 l-dione.

A solution of 210 mg. of 50L,170t-(liI'I1Cil1Yl-2OL-fil10l0- 9a-bromo-androstane-11B,17;S-diol-3rone and 240 mg. of potassium acetate in 10 ml. of absolute ethanol is heated under reflux for two hours. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature, and evaporated in vacuo to a small volume. The concentrated aqueous mixture is extracted with three portions of ethyl acetate, and the combined ethyl acetate extracts are washed with water, dried, and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residual material is crystallized to give 5a,17a-dimethyl-2a-fluoroandrostanel7B-ol-3-one-9fi,1 lit-oxide.

To a solution of 200 mg. of 5a,l7ct-dimethyl-2a-fluoroandrostane-17,8,ol-3-one-9fi,1lB-oxide in 2 ml. of chloroform and 2 ml. of tetrahydrofuran in a polyethylene bottle at -60 C. is added 2 ml. of 2:1 (by weight) mixture of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and tetrahydrofuran. After 4 hours at -30 C. the mixture is cooled to 60 C. and cautiously added to a stirred mixture of 30 ml. of 25% aqueous potassium carbonate and 25 ml. of chloroform kept at 5 C. The aqueous phase is further extracted with chloroform and the latter phase is washed with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The residue on crystallization gives 5oz,l7a-dimethyl-2a,9ot-difiuoro-androstane-115,17fi-diol-3 -one.

A solution of 400 mg. of 5a,17a-dimethyl-2a,9ix-difluoro-androstane-ll;3,17;8-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by crystallization to give 5a,17a-dirnethyl-2a,9oc-difluoroandrostane- 17,8-01-3 ,1 l-dione.

To a solution of mg. of Soc,17adimethyl-2u-fluoroandrostane-l7,8-ol-3-one-9/3,llit-oxide in 4 ml. of chloroform is added 5 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid. The two-phase mixture is stirred at 25 C. for 1 hour. Addition of water and chloroform extraction gives a crude product which is hydrolyzed by treatment with potassium bicarbonate in aqueous methanol to give 5a,l7ot-dimethyl- 2u-fluoro-9a-chloro-androstane-l 1(3, 17,8-dioll 3-one.

A solution of 5a,17m-dimethyl-2a-fluoro-9a-chloro-androstane-l1,8,17B-diol-3-one in 4 ml. of pyridine is added to the complex formed by the addition of 400 mg. of chromium trioxide to 4 ml. of pyridine. The mixture is swirled until thoroughly mixed and then allowed to stand at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture is poured into water, and the aqueous mixture is extracted with ether and then twice with ethyl acetate. The combined ether and ethyl acetate extracts are washed with dilute aqueous sulfuric acid at about 0 C., and then with water until neutral. The organic solvent layer is then dried, the solvents are evaporated therefrom in vacuo, and the residual crystalline material is purified by recrystallization to give 5a,l7a-dimethyl-2ot-fiuoro-9a-chloro-androstane-17[3-ol-3,11-dione.

We claim:

1. 5 a,17wdimethyl-2a-fiuoro-androstane-17,B-ol-3-one.

2. Sa-methyl-I-androstene-17fi-ol-3-one.

3 5 a, l7a-dim'ethyl- 1-androstene-17/3-ol-3-one.

4. Six-methyl-[3,2-C]pyrazolo-androstane-17fl-o1.

5. 51x,17 x-dimethyl-2 -hydroxymethylene androstanel7fi-ol-3-one.

6. Sa-methyI-andrOstane-I7fi-ol-3,ll-dione.

7. 5a,l7ot-dirnethyl-9u-fiuoro-androstane-115,175 diol- 3-one.

1 f) 20 L 8. 20,5 a,17a-trimethy1-9wfiu0ro androstane 11,8,175- References Cited in the file of this patent diol-3-0ne. UNITED STATES PATENTS 9. 20,5oc,17a-trimethyl-9a-fiuoro-androstane-175-01 3, 2 845 381 Tindall July 29 1958 ll-dione 2,908,693 Ringoid et a1 Oct. 13, 1959 10. Za-fiuoro-Su,17a-dimethyi-9u--fluoro androstane- 5 11 1 l OTHER REFERENCES 11. The process which comprises reacting a 3-1oWer Jensen Journal Amer Chem (1959) alkoxy-A -dehydro steroid 6 one belonging to a series d ct Journal Amer Chem Soc (1959) v01 selected from a group consisting of the androstane and 10 81 page 477 pregnane series with a methylating agent thereby forming Edwards a1: Journal Amer Chem Soc. (October a corresponding Sa-methyI-stemid compound. 5, 195 9), vol. 81, pages 5, 262. 

4. 5A-METHYL-(3,2-C) PYRAZOLO-ANDROSTANE-17B-OL. 